FAQs: Recognition of Same-Sex Spouses/Marriages

Any reference in the NURSE Corps’ statute, regulations, or policy to “spouse,” “couple,” or “marriage,” as well as any reference to “family-,” or “family member” now includes same-sex couples, legally married in jurisdictions that recognize their marriages. This applies regardless of whether the couple lives in a jurisdiction that recognizes same-sex marriage or a jurisdiction that does not recognize same-sex marriage. For example, if a couple got married in D.C. (where same-sex marriage is legal) but they live in Virginia (a state which does not recognize same-sex marriage), the FLRP will treat the couple the same as it would any married opposite-sex couple.

Any same-sex marriage legally entered into or recognized in one of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, a U.S. territory or a foreign country will be recognized.

In addition, the NURSE Corps will continue to follow the longstanding policy to include unmarried partners (both same-sex and opposite-sex) as “family members.”